For much of the offseason, there was a lot of consternation as to whether or not the Cincinnati Reds would be able to add a big bat to bolster a lineup that was in desperate need of a power infusion. The return of Eugenio Suarez scratched that itch, but would it be enough?
The Reds finished 21st in the majors in both home runs (167) and slugging percentage (.391). Adding a 49-homer bat in Suarez was a big step, but with him being the only high-profile addition, there was still an unsolved variable.
Cincinnati also needed some of its young players to take a step forward.